Wednesday, October 23, 2013

I AM A RUNNER because my runs have names. I do tempo runs and threshold runs and fartlek runs. I do long, slow runs and track workouts. My runs are defined, even if my abs are not.

I AM A RUNNER because my shoes are training equipment, not a fashion statement. The best shoe for me is the one that makes me a better runner. I choose the shoe that goes with my running mechanics, not my running outfit.

I AM A RUNNER because I don’t have running outfits. I have technical shirts and shorts and socks. I have apparel that enhances the experience of running by allowing me to run comfortably. I can say “Coolmax” and “Gore-Tex” in the same sentence and know which does what.

I AM A RUNNER because I know what effort feels like, and I embrace it. I know when I’m pushing the limits of my comfort and why I’m doing it. I know that heavy breathing and an accelerated heart rate–things I once avoided–are necessary if I want to be a better runner.

I AM A RUNNER because I value and respect my body. It will whisper to me when I’ve done too much. And if I choose to listen to that whisper, my body won’t have to scream in pain later on.

I AM A RUNNER because I am willing to lay it all on the line. I know that every finish line has the potential to lift my spirits to new highs or devastate me, yet I line up anyway.

I AM A RUNNER because I know that despite my best efforts, I will always want more from myself. I will always want to know my limits so that I can exceed them.

I AM A RUNNER because I run. Not because I run fast. Not because I run far.

I AM A RUNNER because I say I am. And no one can tell me I’m not.

- John Bingham I saw this on facebook and just had to share. :) Hope everyone is having a great week!

Thursday, October 17, 2013

I did it! I finished my first half marathon! :) Last Sunday (October 6th) still seems like a dream to me, but when I see the medal hanging it hits me...I actually completed my first half.Here's a quick recap of what my day was like.My day started off at 5 AM. Jen, Jill, and I stayed at the Marriott which was 4 miles away from the race. We got to Town of Brookhaven a little after 6 and met up with Brandi.The race started right at 7 AM. About 5 minutes before the race started they asked people to start moving to estimate time of finish. I knew I would either finish at 2 hours or a little after so Jewell and I got in the 2:00 pace group.

Five minutes went by quickly because before I knew it the race had started and my group started moving up.

-Insert freak out mode- Some people started running before they even got to the start line, but I opted to walk until I had no choice but to start running. Before I knew it....I had crossed the start line. :)Mile 1 to 5 went by fast. The hills weren't bad. They reminded me of some of the hills I trained on these last 12 weeks.Between 5 and 6, we had to run back by where we started and would be finishing. I definitely didn't like that part.Mile 7 - My friend, Kat, was out on the course cheering the runners on and waiting for me and my friend, Jewell, to show up. She made us both signs!! :) During this point in the race I was feeling pretty good. I wasn't going too fast which is what I wanted.

Around mile 8 and 9, I met few other runners who were also running their first half. We stayed together for awhile chatting helping pass the time.Somewhere between mile 9 and 11, we hit this hill that just kept going and going or so it seemed. I absolutely hated this part of the race. I wanted to stop so bad, but Jewell wasn't going to let me.Before I knew it I was back on the home stretch making my way back to mile 12 and soon I would be at the finish line. After I reached mile 12, the last 1.1 miles seemed to be taking a longer than I wanted to, but I kept on running.Once we got to that final turn and I could see the finish line I took off using what energy I had left to book it across the finish line.

Once I crossed I found my Mom, who was there to give me my medal. :)My official time for my first half marathon: 2:07:56

After I was done, I found my way over to the front of the finish line to cheer on the other runners who were making their way to the finish line. That little extra motivation from someone in the crowd really does help. :)I can honestly say I had an absolute blast. I am ready to do my next half. I am still undecided as to what it will be, but the way things are going right now I see the GA Publix Half being my next. :)I want to say thank you once again to some special running friends in my life. Brandi, Jen, and Jill....thank you so much for encouragement along the way. I definitely wouldn't have done it without you ladies. :) I can't wait to run another one.

Left to right: Brandi, Me, and Jen. Jill, you should have stuck around for a pic. :P

Kat, thank you so much for getting up early on a Sunday and cheering everyone on and being a great running partner at the group runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Big Peach. :)

Jewell, thank you again for running with me and keeping me at a steady pace. Oh, and most importantly not letting me quit. Maybe we can run another race sometime.

Sunday, October 6, 2013

My half marathon training has come to an end. Its crazy how these 12 weeks have flown by.

Monday:

I was suppose to start my week of T25 Beta but decided I would just focus on my core only. Sit ups, leg lifts, and planks to start the week off.

Tuesday:

Not going to lie it felt weird getting up and not going for a run. I did do my core work out and in the evening I went to my group run over at Big Peach in Suwanee. I did an easy 3 miles.

Wednesday:

Since I wasn't feeling well after my run on Tuesday, I decided I would use this day to sleep in and hopefully get myself to feeling better. Luckily, I woke up feeling much better. Maybe getting more sleep is all I needed.

Thursday:

Group run was amazing. It was definitely a lot better than Tuesdays run. I was able to keep the pace I want for the half on Sunday. Can't believe its almost here. :)

Friday:

Rest day!

Saturday:

Rest day!

Sunday:

Race Day!! I will have a recap of my first half marathon sometime later on in the week.